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As part of our celebration of Black History Month, year 11 pupils, Felix and Stacia, led an assembly for each year group about prejudice and discrimination based on afro-textured hair. They explained the origins of this prejudice and its links to the transatlantic slave trade and described how receiving comments about afro-textured hair can make black and mixed-race people feel dehumanised and unwelcome. They finished their assembly with a quote from the poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou "Do the best you can until you know better, then when you know better, do better" which reminds us that ignorance is not an excuse for prejudice and we all need to make a conscious effory to be anti-racist.

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Six year 10 pupils put their debating skills to the test last week at the annual Mock United Nations event at Bedes school. Representing the delegations of Latvia and Zimbabwe, the pupils performed admirably against countries from all over the world, represented by schools from across the South East and beyond. Real life UN procedures were replicated, with the pupils debating and challenging other delegations on issues including climate change, health in developing countries and employment rights, followed by an emergency General Assembly response to a US invasion of Greenland - or 'Icebergia'!

The pupils were a credit to themselves and Chailey.

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Sometimes in football the score doesn't tell the whole story. That's what happened when our Year 7 boys played away at Beacon this week. Although victory wasn't ours, our boys showed great resilience and courage from start to finish and represented Chailey School with pride.

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Year 7 Family/Tutor Evening Thursday 23rd October 2025 - 3.30pm - 6.30pm

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Year 7 Family/Tutor Evening Thursday 23rd October 2025 - 3.30pm - 6.30pm

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Year 8 Explore Careers in Construction with Cheesmur Building Contractors

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Year 8 Explore Careers in Construction with Cheesmur Building Contractors

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On Thursday, thirteen Year 8 students took part in an exciting Open Doors careers visit to Cheesmur Building Contractors. They were welcomed by Dan Hayman, Estimator at Cheesmur and Chailey School’s Enterprise Advisor, who gave an insightful introduction to the construction sector and the role of a building contractor.

Throughout the visit, students discovered the wide variety of careers available in construction — both on-site and behind the scenes. They learned how different teams collaborate to bring projects to life, and that construction is about much more than just building. It involves design, planning, teamwork, and problem-solving.

To put their learning into action, students worked in small groups on a hands-on challenge: designing and building a structure of their choice using lolly sticks. The activity tested their creativity, communication, and engineering skills, and resulted in some impressive mini constructions!

The visit was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore future career possibilities and gain a deeper understanding of the many pathways within the construction industry. A huge thank you to Dan and the team at Cheesmur Building Contractors for hosting such an engaging and inspiring day.

Our Year 8 students embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm. Their existing knowledge of the sector was impressive, and they asked thoughtful questions throughout the visit. They approached the challenge with a positive attitude and worked brilliantly in their teams. Well done, Year 8 — we hope you enjoyed the trip!

Mrs Wickens

Careers & Work-Related Learning Coordinator

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Amazing home learning from Emilia W (Year 9)

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Friends of Chailey School Annual General Meeting 2025 Wednesday 22nd October 6.30pm

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Friends of Chailey School Annual General Meeting 2025 Wednesday 22nd October 6.30pm

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On Saturday, Chailey School attended an Open Pitch Day at the Allianz Stadium - Twickenham, the home of England Rugby. The day was aimed at getting Year 7 girls playing rugby, we took 8 players and our Year 9 team manager Faye!

The students travelled up by minibus were met by our wonderful travelling support. The girls waited eagerly at the Rose and Poppy gates when finally the time came for them to go in. We registered and were walked down to the tunnel. Butterflies in stomachs and eyes wide open with amazement, we stood where the Red Roses stood a few weeks ago before making history for not only Women's Rugby, but sport for women and girls across the country.

We walked pitch-side to find our seats and the view was breathtaking. Standing so close to the pitch, the girls (and Miss Batton) were desperate to step onto the pitch where so many famous players have played on over the years. We finally got the call up over the speaker "Chailey School, pitch 3!" and the girls walked onto the pitch to a Fat Boy Slim classic and a roar from the Chailey Families. The girls jogged on followed by the staff and what a feeling. To stand where the Red Roses played, to see where the World Cup was lifted, to think about how many players who are role models (both men and women) and have played on this pitch was just unimaginable.

The girls played their first game, with Iris scoring our first try after a brilliant line break. The celebrations were awesome. The game was back underway but unfortunately we conceded last minute so it ended in a draw.

As we walked off the pitch, we spotted our first visitor - Tatyana Heard, England Red Roses No12 (Inside Centre). The girls had come pre-prepared with things to get signed and they flooded her! Whilst heavily distracted, the second Red Roses player immerged Abbie Ward No5 (Second Row/Lock) and she was also flooded upon being spotted. The girls were chatting, having photos taken, signing boots, shoes, shirts, you name it, it was being signed! Some also got the chance to hold the World Cup Winners medals which was awesome!

After all the excitement it was time for game 2, which we drew - probably because of all the excitement! We took our seats again and then heard the call that a changing room tour with Abbie and Tatyana was up for grabs, so we rushed into the changing rooms. Pictures of all the Red Roses players lined the entrance and the girls were eagerly spotting their favourite players on the wall. We went round the corner to see the physio beds and the ice baths, and then directly opposite was the changing area, lined with red seats and crisp white England shirts, which weeks before was a base of celebrations for the Red Roses. The girls talked us through the space and showed us the names of the players who were highly capped written on each changing bay. They also showed us the wall which every capped player is listed under the year of their debut which was awesome.

After even more excitement, we were called up to get our packed lunches - as if the day couldn't get any better! We had a break after lunch where we were trying different rugby trends, playing catch and just bonding as a team over common interests. The more experienced players were helping those with less experience to develop their skills and there was lots of laughing, smiling and cheering throughout the afternoon.

Our final game was called and we were set up and ready. We had a strong start and identified space early on the wing to which Sylvie was able to break through and score her first try! We also tried to kick a bit more in this game and after a well timed grubber, Iris managed to chase and score in the final minute of the game.

The girls really progressed in each game, be that their confidence to pass under pressure, to run into "contact" and take the touch, to run forwards and to try to hold a better defensive line, everyone improved in some way or another.

When asked about how they found Saturday and what was their favourite things about it, a few comments from the students include:

Iris: It was insane, I loved the bonuses of going around the changing rooms and meeting the players and I scored our first try.

Sylvie: I loved scoring my first try and we got to have a tour of the changing rooms and it was awesome meeting the World Cup winners.

Naomi: It was a really exciting day!

Flora: I liked going to Twickenham and standing on the pitch. It's where I first saw my favourite player Ellie Kildunne play, I also liked the bus journey with the great music.

Rosa: I really enjoyed playing on the pitch, it was fun.

Thank you to everyone who played, travelled up to watch, supported in organising the trip and for Mr Renals for coming along to support on the day.

I hope the day was as fun for the students as it was for the staff. I know from my perspective, I never had anything like this growing up. No female sporting role models in the media, less access to the sports women and girls have nowadays - even in my PE lessons. Rugby is something that I have found later on in my life, and this is the same for so many women, who when they join my team, say they hated PE, or again, never had the opportunity. This sport is for everyone. No matter what shape or size you are, or even where you come from, you can bring something to it. The nature of the sport builds teams, relationships and friendships and that I feel is also so important for people to experience in life too.

If you are looking to get your girl(s) into Rugby, there are clubs in - Uckfield, Haywards Heath, Lewes, Brighton, East Grinsted, Heathfield, Seaford and more. We also have a girls rugby club on a Tuesday.

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Add new guardians and contacts for your child on the Parent Portal and Parent App

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This article explains how primary guardians can add new guardians and contacts for their child using the Parent Portal or Parent App. It details the steps to view the child’s profile, add new conta…

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School Calendar (What’s On) - Chailey School

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Chailey School is a mixed, non-selective, community secondary school located in the village of South Chailey, Chailey, just outside Lewes in East Sussex, UK. Chailey School offers a wide range of aca…

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TO REPORT YOUR CHILD ABSENT DUE TO ILLNESS OR A MEDICAL APPOINTMENT

·         Log into Arbor

·         Navigate to 'Quick Actions' and click - this is usually in the top left of the screen

·         Click 'Attendance'

·         Click 'Log Absence'

·         Enter the reason for absence

·         Click 'Log Absence'

FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES

office@chaileyschool.org

01273 890407

TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE SEND SURGERY

(Friday Mornings)

srodd@chaileyschool.org

01273 890407

TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE SLT SURGERY

(Friday after school)

srodd@chaileyschool.org

01273 890407

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We are currently advertising for a Finance Assistant. Further details are on our website

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We are currently advertising for a Finance Assistant. Further details are on our website

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Chailey is a thriving, successful school set in rural Sussex, just north of Lewes, and within easy reach of Brighton and Haywards Heath. We are proud of our traditional values and innovative approaches to Teaching and Learning.

Staff are friendly, dedicated and supportive; our students are happy and proud to be part of the school. We have a very low level of staff turnover because we are kind and supportive to each other. Chailey is a school where teachers and students can thrive. Of course, working in a school is demanding and all of our staff are hard-working and go above and beyond to support our young people.

Visitors to Chailey School often comment on the calm teaching environment and fantastic relationships between students and teachers.

We had our last Ofsted visit in January 2022 which we were very pleased with.

The Ofsted report contained comments such as:

'This is a kind school. The school's values of kindness, resilience, independence and creativity permeate everything.'

'Welfare and wellbeing are high priorities in this small rural community school.'

'Pupils are knowledgeable about diversity including Black history and gender equality, sexual orientation and gender identity. Pupils respect different ethnicities and cultures. They value the different contributions that everyone makes.'

'The curriculum is designed well to meet the needs and aspirations of all pupils including the most able.'

'Leaders and governors are ambitious for what pupils can achieve. Parents and guardians speak enthusiastically about the school.'

We believe that this is a very strong foundation from which to aspire to excellence in everything we do.

Current Vacancies
Student Support Manager
We are looking to recruit an additional Student Support Manager to increase capacity in this area of the school. This is an important role in the school and you will be able to make a real difference to the welfare and wellbeing of our students. Our Student Support Managers work under the direction of a Head of Year, to offer support and care for one year group of our students. At Chailey School we value our staff. We know that we are can only look after the youngsters in our care if we look after ourselves and each other too. By joining our staff, you will be part of a supportive network of colleagues that value each other. We have four other Student Support Manager in school and all of them will support and help you.

Full details on this role can be found in the application pack.

We would be very happy to offer an informal chat and tour to any prospective applicants. Just contact us by emailing Serena Rodd, PA to the Head Teacher srodd@chaileyschool.org

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Chailey School is a mixed, non-selective, community secondary school located in the village of South Chailey, Chailey, just outside Lewes in East Sussex, UK. Chailey School offers a wide range of aca..

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Open Events

These events are open to Year 10 & 11 students.

We encourage Year 11 students to visit at least two colleges in advance of applications being made.  Application deadlines vary, but many are by end of December this year, so please do your best to make time to attend open events at any college you are considering.

For information about colleges, open events, apprenticeships and much more, visit the Careers & Work-Related Learning Padlet.

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Please contact Exams Officer, Mrs McNally (amcnally@chaileyschool.org)

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Year 10 GCSE Exam Support and Information - Chailey School

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Chailey School is a mixed, non-selective, community secondary school located in the village of South Chailey, Chailey, just outside Lewes in East Sussex, UK. Chailey School offers a wide range of aca…

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Welcome to KS3 Evening - 5.30pm 6th November 2025

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Welcome to KS3 Evening - 5.30pm 6th November 2025

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Back to All Events

BRIGHTINKERS HALF TERM CLUB (Key Stage 3: Yrs 7, 8 & 9)

Join us on an entertaining and eye-opening journey of discovery as we dive into the weird and wonderful world of YOUR BRAIN. Traveling way, way back to it's prehistoric beginnings, and tracing a path right up to the modern-day digital world, we'll be looking at how your brain evolved, how it works, and how easily it can be fooled!

Packed with fascinating facts, stunning science, and mind-melting illusions, we'll show you just how amazing your brain is and how, sometimes, it isn't always as smart as it thinks it is - be prepared for interactive games and lots of audience participation!

Once we've equipped you with the necessary knowledge of how your brain ticks, we'll also teach you a new superpower - CRITICAL THINKING! The essential life skill that helps children navigate the world around them, safely and smartly, spotting the difference between facts, opinions and lies.

This thought-provoking session is perfect for curious kids (and adults*) encouraging their natural inquisitiveness and giving them the confidence to think for themselves.
Come ready to question everything - and leave a little wiser (and harder to fool!).
* This event is aimed primarily at Key Stage 3 children (11-14yrs old) though other children are welcome. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Kevin is the founder of BRIGHTHINK, a non-profit organisation that hosts events about science, critical thinking and S.T.E.M. He is passionate about science communication and the importance of communicating such ideas in a clear, engaging and entertaining way. He is also an animator and Illustrator, having worked on several children's TV shows for CBBC and CBeebies, and the father of two teenage children.

EVENT FAQs:
Where will the event take place?

The event will take place in the private upstairs function room - The Nightingale Room - at The Grand Central Pub, Brighton. Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access available at this venue.

What age group is this event aimed at?

This event is aimed primarily at Key Stage 3 children (11-14 years old*) to introduce them to the skills and benefits of Critical Thinking. Younger children are welcome, though some of the concepts may be a little too complex, there will be lots of fun and interactive games for all!

What expect on the day?

The event will include a digital presentation, with audio and visual illusions, and interactive games & challenges for the audience, covering 4 topics:
Evolution of the Brain: How and why your brain evolved the way it did.
History of the Brain: What we know about your brain and how it works.
The Amazing & Fallible Brain: The incredible things your brain can do, and the ways it can be fooled.
Critical Thinking - We'll teach your child the super power of critical thinking which will help them guard against misinformation and lies.
Come prepared to get involved, and muck in - there will be lot's of audience participation (there may even be prizes)!

BRIGHTINKERS HALF TERM CLUB (Key Stage 3: Yrs 7, 8 & 9)

Join us on an entertaining and eye-opening journey of discovery as we dive into the weird and wonderful world of YOUR BRAIN. Traveling way, way back to it's prehistoric beginnings, and tracing a path right up to the modern-day digital world, we'll be looking at how your brain evolved, how it works, and how easily it can be fooled!

Packed with fascinating facts, stunning science, and mind-melting illusions, we'll show you just how amazing your brain is and how, sometimes, it isn't always as smart as it thinks it is - be prepared for interactive games and lots of audience participation!

Once we've equipped you with the necessary knowledge of how your brain ticks, we'll also teach you a new superpower - CRITICAL THINKING! The essential life skill that helps children navigate the world around them, safely and smartly, spotting the difference between facts, opinions and lies.

This thought-provoking session is perfect for curious kids (and adults*) encouraging their natural inquisitiveness and giving them the confidence to think for themselves.
Come ready to question everything - and leave a little wiser (and harder to fool!).
* This event is aimed primarily at Key Stage 3 children (11-14yrs old) though other children are welcome. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Kevin is the founder of BRIGHTHINK, a non-profit organisation that hosts events about science, critical thinking and S.T.E.M. He is passionate about science communication and the importance of communicating such ideas in a clear, engaging and entertaining way. He is also an animator and Illustrator, having worked on several children's TV shows for CBBC and CBeebies, and the father of two teenage children.

EVENT FAQs:
Where will the event take place?

The event will take place in the private upstairs function room - The Nightingale Room - at The Grand Central Pub, Brighton. Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access available at this venue.

What age group is this event aimed at?

This event is aimed primarily at Key Stage 3 children (11-14 years old*) to introduce them to the skills and benefits of Critical Thinking. Younger children are welcome, though some of the concepts may be a little too complex, there will be lots of fun and interactive games for all!

What expect on the day?

The event will include a digital presentation, with audio and visual illusions, and interactive games & challenges for the audience, covering 4 topics:
Evolution of the Brain: How and why your brain evolved the way it did.
History of the Brain: What we know about your brain and how it works.
The Amazing & Fallible Brain: The incredible things your brain can do, and the ways it can be fooled.
Critical Thinking - We'll teach your child the super power of critical thinking which will help them guard against misinformation and lies.
Come prepared to get involved, and muck in - there will be lot's of audience participation (there may even be prizes)!

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THINK SMART: Discover Your Amazing Brain and How To Use It Wisely! - Brighthink

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Join us, this October half term, on an entertaining and eye-opening journey of discovery as we dive into the weird and wonderful world of YOUR BRAIN. We'll be looking at how your brain evolved, how it works, and how easily it can be fooled - and we'll teach you the superpower of CRITICAL THINKING!

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Theon made a power point during a game of Cluedo. He put forward his evidence and why he thought the suspect was the suspect. He made the power point while he was playing the game

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Last weekend Marnie (yr7) took part in a South region artistic gymnastics competition in Oxfordshire. She put on a great performance, winning silver on floor and beam and coming second all round in her category as well as securing her spot in the National Finals. Well done, Marnie!

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Year 10 Work Experience Evening Wednesday 12th November 5.30pm

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Year 10 Work Experience Evening Wednesday 12th November 5.30pm

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More details to follow shortly

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Year 10 Parents Evening - Thursday 20th November 2025 - 3.30pm - 6.30pm

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Year 10 Parents Evening - Thursday 20th November 2025 - 3.30pm - 6.30pm

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More details to follow shortly

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School will be closed to all students on Friday 28th November and Monday 1st December 2025

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Battle of the Voices Tuesday 9th December 6pm

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Battle of the Voices Tuesday 9th December 6pm

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More details to follow

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School Concert Thursday 11th December 6pm

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School Concert Thursday 11th December 6pm

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More details to follow

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Amazing photography from Eva and Jamie

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As part of 'Schools Without Walls' students were encouraged to interact with their surroundings by taking experimental photographs and creating ephemeral artworks inspired by things found in the forest. They were observant and playful, using a combination of props, photography techniques and editing programs/apps to generate photos that may feature in Elderflower Fields 2026.  The activities were aimed at helping students engage with the artistry found in nature across various levels and scales. Some of the students also got to have a go at Hapa Zome, a Japanese printing technique!

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Brown and Green Illustrated Friendship Photo Collage

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Well done to our Year 8 girls who are working hard to improve their football skills this term.

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We have had another fantastic week at Chailey with a highlight for many students being their school photo day on Wednesday in which they all looked incredibly smart and were a credit to the school . We have had a wide range of sporting fixtures this week in which I want to thank all students and staff who were involved in these. Even though some of the results didn't go the way the students wanted, it helps them develop the value of resilience and how we need to dust ourselves off, learn the lessons, then go again the next time around.

This weekend the school is the base for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) screenings which offer ECGs for young people. There was a specific age bracket for this, and I am pleased that many Chailey students who were invited have taken on the opportunity. We hope to offer this going forward so that all Chailey students will have had a chance to have one of these screenings over the 5 years they are with us. Once again, thank you Chailey families for your ongoing support, and we wish you a lovely weekend.

Mr Holt

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Year groups and the school council each meet three times a year with Mr Dudgeon, Assistant Headteacher. Each year council consists of two elected reps from each form. Its an opportunity to raise any safeguarding issues, and discuss issues or proposals for the school that come from the student body. Students naturally see school from a  different perspective to adults, but we try to make many of their ideas come to fruition, although it's not always financially or practically possible! The school council meets after the year councils and is an opportunity for students to discuss they main issues that come from the year councils with the headteacher, Mr Holt. These are bodies that are not just 'talking-shops', and suggestions that the students have put forward have had an impact on such things as uniform, food, toilets, ideas for fund-raising, school events, ideas for the school site, and campaigning. It has also given students the opportunity to meet and play a role with the local MP, Chartwells (who manage the catering in school), and prospective candidates for jobs in the school (including the headship!).